'Shocking' number of homeless deaths in Scotland spark calls for action ahead of Holyrood elections

The number of people who died while homeless in Scotland remains at “shocking” levels, a homelessness charity has warned in a plea for politicians to take action ahead of the upcoming Scottish elections.

Figures released by National Records of Scotland (NRS) on Tuesday (3 March) found there were an estimated 231 deaths of people experiencing homelessness in Scotland in 2024. This was slightly lower than the previous year, in which 242 deaths were recorded, but higher than when figures were first recorded in 2017.

The figures come after the Scottish government found there were 2,092 households reporting a household member experiencing rough sleeping between 1 April to 30 September 2025 across the country.

Charities have explained that they had hoped to see homelessness fall since the pandemic, explaining that it is “shocking” to see that progress has “stalled”.

“It’s completely unacceptable that 231 people died in Scotland in 2024 waiting for a home,” said Maeve McGoldrick, head of policy and communications at Crisis Scotland.

“Levels of homelessness, and rough sleeping in particular, have risen since the pandemic to alarming highs. We had hoped to see a significant decrease but it’s shocking that progress has stalled and the number of deaths in 2024 was almost the same as the previous year.”

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According to the NRS report, the level of homeless deaths were highest in the City of Edinburgh, followed by Glasgow City. The figures found that around half (49%) of the people experiencing homelessness who died in 2024 were aged under 45. In addition, 78% of the homeless deaths recorded were male, and 22% were female.

Of the specific causes of death, drug misuse deaths were most common, followed by alcohol misuse deaths and probable suicides.

McGoldrick explained that the figures illustrate the “traumatic” nature of homelessness.

“Living in temporary accommodation where you don’t feel safe, or sleeping in a freezing car, or moving between the homes of friends and acquaintances just to have a roof over your head, takes a huge toll on people’s mental and physical health,” she said. “A laser focus on ending all forms of homelessness is needed to drive down these numbers.”

McGoldrick added that the figures highlight exactly how homelessness must be tackled, for example the disproportionate amount of homeless male deaths show the “struggle to access the necessary wraparound support” as “many will be single” and therefore lower down on waiting lists for support.

She added that the issue must be addressed in May’s Holyrood elections.

“We know what’s required and that’s why we are calling on all political parties to commit to ending homelessness by 2040 in their upcoming manifestos,” she said.

“This means building more truly affordable homes in the places that need them the most, giving wraparound help to people much earlier on, ideally before they become homeless, and being more strategic and impactful with how money is spent – making sure that it reduces homelessness across Scotland.”

The Scottish government published an emergency action plan to tackle homelessness in 2025 after declaring a housing emergency. Ministers pledged to invest £4.9 billion over the next four years to build 36,000 affordable homes, and provide homes for up to 24,000 children.

Ministers also promised to implement Awaab’s Law to address housing hazards such as dangerous damp and mould after the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak due to exposure to mould in his home.

McGoldrick added that it’s important to note homeless deaths are “not inevitable”, and there must be the “political will” to end homelessness for good.

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